News Release - Manitoba

GIMLI WEST APARTMENT BUILDING OFFICIALLY OPEN: MINISTER BJORNSON

GIMLI—The Manitoba government has partnered with the Gimli Non Profit Housing Corporation and the Rural Municipality of Gimli to provide more safe and affordable housing for families in the Interlake, Housing and Community Development Minister Peter Bjornson said here today at the official opening of the facility.

“When families have safe, affordable housing they can create stable homes where they can raise healthy children and put down strong roots in their communities,” said Minister Bjornson. “By working together on shared goals, we have built a high-quality building that will strengthen the community.”

The Rural Municipality (RM) of Gimli contributed the land, valued at about $200,000, for $1, and also provided a tax grant of 80 per cent of general municipal taxes for 10 years. The province invested in the housing by providing an $8.1-million loan.

“On behalf of the council and area citizens and all the volunteers on this project, I would like to express our gratitude for the provincial support and our excitement at the opening of the new Gimli West Apartments,” said Mayor Lynn Greenberg, RM of Gimli. “Our community was in need of this type of project and we have successfully reached our goal after years of planning. Affordable housing is an important need in all communities and for families of all ages.”

The new apartments, located at Autumnwood Drive and Centennial Road in Gimli, are three storeys and include eight one-bedroom, 16 two‑bedroom and four three-bedroom apartments. The focus is on providing housing for families, with 14 of the homes offering rents geared to income.

The project meets Manitoba Hydro’s Power Smart standards and includes a geothermal heating and cooling system for lower energy costs, the minister said, adding construction started in December 2012 and was completed on time and on budget.

“We are also now taking our first steps toward a Budget 2014 promise to create another 500 affordable and 500 social-housing units in the next three years,” Minister Bjornson said.

To address this new commitment, the province is focusing on the development of housing options for seniors, families and vulnerable people, he said.

“Manitoba Housing’s overall strategy complements Budget 2014, a plan to create more good jobs, grow the economy and protect front-line services by focusing on what matters most to Manitoba families,” Minister Bjornson added. “The continued growth of communities depends on building healthier, more vibrant neighbourhoods.”

More information on Manitoba Housing and Community Development’s new three-year plan, part of the long-term strategy Strong Communities – An Action Plan is available at: www.gov.mb.ca/housing/.

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For more information:

Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.